To review the pathophysiology, etiology, symptomatology, differential diagnosis, evolution and location of pseudoaneurysms. To analyze the typical imaging findings. To revise the treatment indications and types.

1) DEFINITION / PATHOPHYSIOLOGY: A pseudoaneurysm (PSA) is considered a pulsatile encapsulated hematoma that is communicated with an artery whose wall is damaged by an inflammatory, traumatic or iatrogenic cause. Under the influence of sustained arterial pressure, an interruption in the continuity of the wall occurs and blood dissects into the surrounding tissues through the damaged artery, forming a perfused sac that communicates with the arterial light. This sac may contain media or adventitia or be surrounded by soft tissues. This differentiates a pseudoaneurysm from...

1) BRIEF INTRODUCTION: The most frequent location is the femoral artery, which is usually damaged due to an iatrogenic cause. This complication is more frequent nowadays, due in part to the use of large caliber introducers and the combined anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy. Ultrasound is a very useful technique, not only as a diagnostic tool but also as a guide for percutaneous treatment. Sometimes treatment is not necessary and we can wait and see if the pseudoaneurysm solves spontaneously. Most visceral pseudoaneurysms (which are very...

The role of the radiology departments in the diagnosis and treatment of pseudoaneurysms is getting more and more important. Therefore, a radiologist should be aware, not only of the semiological findings in order to diagnose them but also of the wide range of therapeutic possibilities available.

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